CN1262723C

CN1262723C - Electronic locking system

Info

Publication number: CN1262723C
Application number: CNB028048806A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 保罗·R·戴维斯
Original assignee: Videx Inc
Current assignee: Videx Inc
Priority date: 2001-02-13
Filing date: 2002-01-23
Publication date: 2006-07-05
Anticipated expiration: 2022-01-23
Also published as: US6604394B2; US6895792B2; WO2002064920A1; JP2004521200A; US20010027671A1; US20020184932A1; ATE534784T1; EP2383407A1; US20040007032A1; EP1366255A1; EP1366255A4; ES2377625T3; US6474122B2; EP1366255B1; CN1498301A; DK1366255T3; JP4188691B2; PT1366255E

Abstract

In a first aspect, an electronic lock (12) suitable for replacing interchangeable core locks has a solenoid assembly comprising a solenoid coil (280) and a plunger (290) longitudinally aligned parallel to the rotational axis (A) of the cylinger (214) of the lock (12).

Description

Electronic locking system

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of electronic lock.

Background technology

Electronic lock is compared with mechanical lock has many advantages.For example, electronic lock is combined use with a microprocessor or a computer, then can programme, control electronic lock with other factors that maybe may be programmed in the processor by the moment, authorization code to this electronic lock.When a key loss, not to change this electronic lock, but this electronic lock of Reprogrammable, to accept different identification code from different keys.

Yet also there are many shortcomings in electronic lock.At first, electronic lock requires power supply.If power supply is contained in the lock, as the form with a battery, power supply takies the space in the lock so, makes lock become bigger.Such battery also may be easy to corrosion, and this can have influence on the internal part of lock.In addition, if battery has not had electricity, this lock may no longer work so.In addition, this lock must be opened termly so that change battery.Providing power supply from the power line of a standard is another kind of the selection, but requires to provide the line to this lock.In addition, such line possibly can't obtain in some environment, under the environment as a workbench or a rack.

Same hope is done this lock as much as possible little, replaces so that in the position of existing machinery lock this electronic lock is installed.The traditional mechanical lock that is used for workbench and rack is very little comparatively speaking.Therefore, the free space in such lock is restricted, thereby has limited the size and the quantity that may be used in the parts in the lock.

Another difficult point of electronic lock is that they are easy to respond sharp keen strike and are opened.Usually electronic lock uses a solenoid.Yet, usually might shake and hinder a solenoid plunger, so that open an electronic lock as hitting with hammer by this lock being applied a sharp keen external force.

Another problem of electronic lock is, a common solenoid be used to a plunger shift-in or shift out and inner cylinder and shell between interference relationships.This may cause several problems.At first, solenoid and its plunger (plunger) must be configured to hold out against the original power that acts directly on when rotating this plunger when a people attempts in locking on this plunger.Another problem is that electronic lock may be difficult to lock, because may be difficult to the corresponding bore hole in this plunger and it is aimed at.If this plunger can not correctly be aimed at bore hole, then this plunger can not enter this bore hole so that disturb the motion of this cylinder.

Another problem is that some electronic lock allows to take out this key in the rotary course of lock.Under the sort of situation, people may forget after this lock has been opened the latched position that this cylinder is turned back to it.

Therefore, require a kind of such electronic lock, it is little that it takies volume, can be used to replace the existing mechanical lock, do not require in lock a power supply or aerial lug are arranged, be not easy to respond the content of altering and be opened, may turn back to the position that allows safety locking consistently and can prevent from operating process, to take out key.

Summary of the invention

The invention provides an electronic locking system, it has overcome the shortcoming of above-mentioned prior art.

According to first aspect of the present invention, a kind of electronic lock is provided, it comprises:

(a) one is loaded in the shell and can be with respect to the cylinder of this shell rotation;

(b) electric locking mechanism that can disturb described cylinder to rotate selectively, described electric locking mechanism comprises a solenoid with a solenoid coil and a solenoid plunger, when described electric locking mechanism disturbs described cylinder to rotate, described solenoid plunger is in a primary importance, when described cylinder can rotate freely, described solenoid plunger was in a second place; And

(c) ferromagnetic cover with the perforate that is used to hold described solenoid plunger, when described solenoid plunger is in the described primary importance and the described second place, described cover surrounds the part of described solenoid coil and described at least solenoid plunger, forces described solenoid plunger to move to the described second place from described primary importance so that prevent the magnetic field that puts on the front surface of described cylinder from the outside.

Below in conjunction with accompanying drawing and consider following detailed description of the invention, can more easily understand above-mentioned and other characteristics and advantage of the present invention.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the phantom drawing of example lock of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is the phantom drawing of an example key.

Fig. 3 is the phantom drawing with an example key of example axle center engagement.

Fig. 4 is the assembly drawing of analysing and observe of example lock.

Fig. 5 is the assembly drawing of analysing and observe of an example cylinder.

Fig. 6 is the sectional drawing along the lock of Fig. 1 of the vertical line acquisition that sections cylinder.

Fig. 7 is the sectional drawing along the lock of the line 7-7 intercepting of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is the sectional drawing along the lock of the line 8-8 intercepting of Fig. 6.

Fig. 9 is similar to Fig. 6, and difference is that removing this electronic lock in the figure is opened.

Fig. 9 A represents the detailed view of this key holding device.

Figure 10 is similar to Fig. 6, and difference is in the figure, is applied with a very big power on this locking face.

Figure 11 is the sectional view of an example key.

Figure 12 is the block diagram of the electronic unit of example key and lock.

Figure 13 is the flow chart of lock interface.

Figure 14 is the flow chart of key interface.

Figure 15 is the phantom drawing of second embodiment of lock of the present invention.

Figure 16 is the assembly drawing of the lock of Figure 15.

Figure 17 is the plan view of cylinder of the lock of Figure 15.

Figure 18 is the sectional drawing along the line 18-18 intercepting of Figure 17.

Figure 19 is the sectional drawing along the line 19-19 intercepting of Figure 17.

Figure 20 is the sectional view of an example key that is used for the lock of Figure 15.

Figure 21 is the assembly drawing of the key of Figure 20.

The specific embodiment

With reference now to accompanying drawing,, wherein identical numeral components identical, an exemplary electronic locking system of Fig. 1,2 and 3 expression locking systems 10, it comprises a lock 12 and a key 18.This lock 12 has a cylinder 14 of rotation in a shell 16.One bolt 20 (shown by dashed lines) is connected in the rear portion of this lock 12.In operating process, as shown in Figure 3, this key 18 and these lock 12 engagements.This key 18 and lock 12 are electrically connected, and during with a convenient authorized key 18 and lock 12 engagements, cylinder 14 can rotate in shell 16.The rotation of cylinder 14 causes the motion of bolt 20, makes it possible to open blocked device.For example, electronic locking system 10 is being used under the situation of a desk drawer, the rotation of cylinder 14 can make bolt move to the position that the desk drawer can be opened.In any environment that electronic locking system 10 can be used to require to lock, as door, window, cupboard, desk and file cabinet or the like.Electronic locking system 10 may be with any traditional bolt or is used for protecting the device of the equivalence of the article of being locked to use.

Key

Fig. 2 and Figure 11 show the preferred embodiment of key 18 of the present invention.Key 18 has a shell 22 of the parts that hold key 18.This key 18 has a locking mesh bar 24 in its front portion.This key 18 also has an annular neck portion 26 that limits a hole 130 relative with bar 24.In this shell 22 battery 28, battery spring 30 and printed circuit board (PCB) 32.One microprocessor, LED36 and buzzer 38 are installed on this printed circuit board (PCB).Key 18 and lock 12 between electrically contact by key pin 40, key pin is by an isolator 42 electric insulations.Helical spring 44 impels pin 40 to mesh forward and with lock 12.Key pin 40 is electrically connected to microprocessor and battery 28.

The isolator 42 of assembling, pin 40 and printed circuit board (PCB) 32, battery 28 closely are contained in this shell 22 by using spring 46 and connector 48.One packing ring, 50 these keys 18 of sealing, it is pressed towards this connector by prap 52.One cap, 54 these shells 22 of sealing.One torque amplifier 56 is assemblied in around the shell 22, so that easily hold with a firm grip and screw key 18.

The critical element of key 18 is power supplys, as battery 28 and microprocessor, is used for communicating by letter with lock 12.This machinery assembling and electrical connection can be constructed on request.Therefore, for example,, also can use other mechanical arrangements to allow key 18 and lock 12 engagements, so that this lock is rotated as a square nail although what illustrate is a bar 24 and annular neck portion 26.

Lock

Fig. 1 and 4-6 illustrate a preferred lock 12.Fig. 6 is the sectional view that obtains along a vertical line that sections this lock 12.This lock 12 is made up of a cylinder 14 and a shell 16.The size of lock 12 can be made as so that replace traditional mechanical cylinder lock.One tail spare, 58 (see figure 6)s are connected in the end of cylinder 14 with bolt or screw.The pair of holes 59 of the end of this cylinder 14 is held bolt or the screw that is used to connect tail spare.(see figure 5) tail spare 58 is connected to bolt 20 or other traditional locking devices, and moving of blocked object treated in its interference.For example, be used to lock under the situation of a desk drawer at lock 12, bolt 20 will prevent the motion of desk drawer with respect to desk.Shell 16 can be with any traditional material, and as brass, it comprises outstanding column part one parts (bible) 60 away from shell 16.These parts 60 be installed in treat a blocked device as in the groove in the desk drawer to prevent that this shell 16 from rotating with respect to this device.The inside that one an O type ring 62 and a back sealing mat 63 are used to can 16 enters the inside of shell 16 and the parts of damage lock 12 to prevent dust and other impurity.One threaded retainer 64 is connected to the threaded rear portion 66 of cylinder 14 by spiral.Tension force between cylinder 14 and the shell 16 can be adjusted by tension retainer 64, therefore controls the simple and easy degree that this cylinder 14 can rotate in shell 16.

Cylinder 14 is made up of a housing 68 of the various parts that cylinder 14 is installed on it.The front portion of housing 68 has two holes 70, and each comprises an electric contact 72.This contact 72 is by isolator 74 and housing 68 insulation.Electric contact 72 hold pin 40 with prevent to lock 12 and key 18 between electrical connection so that key 18 can provide power supply to lock 12, and make key 18 and lock 12 to communicate with one another.

One printed circuit board (PCB) 76 is installed in the central authorities of housing 68.This printed circuit board (PCB) 76 comprises and is used to lock 12 lock processor and memory.Printed circuit board (PCB) 76 is electrically connected to electric contact 72.

One actuator member also is installed in this housing 68.This actuator member comprises the framework 78 that a solenoid coil 80 is installed on it.This coil 80 is aimed at the hole 82 at housing 78 rear portions.This actuator member also comprises the pipe 84 that comprises an interference element 86, disturbs spring 88, solenoid plunger 90, solenoid spring 92 and solenoid rod 94.This compound tube 84 is inserted in the bore hole 82, is arranged in solenoid coil 80 so that manage 84 bottom and solenoid rod 94.Pipe 84 is made by brass or other nonferrous materials.By using a lock ring 96, pipe 84 is maintained in the bore hole 82.Lock ring 96 is installed in the cannelure 96 at rear portion of housing 68 and manages in another groove 100 of 84 not end.Boring protector 101 is installed between the front portion and helix tube framework 78 of housing 68, gets out to prevent the helix tube parts.

Housing 68 also comprise perpendicular to and with the bore hole 82 of housing 68 and the bore hole 85 and a coupled logical bore hole 102 of managing 84.Especially with reference to Fig. 6, being contained in the bore hole 102 is a pin 104, and it has a round end part 106 and the diameter bottom bar part 108 littler than this round end part 106.This bore hole 102 has a upper part 102A, and its size can be held an end portion 102B of bottom bar part 108 for can hold round end part 106 and to have littler diameter.One spring 110 is installed in bore hole part 102A.This spring 110 is wideer than bottom bar part 102B, when selling 104 shift-in bore holes 102 with box lunch, compresses spring 110 by the moving of round end part 106 of pin 104.Therefore, spring 110 will be sold 104 release bore holes 102.

Now with particular reference to Fig. 7, the cavity 112 that shell 16 definition are communicated with bore hole 102 in shell 16 and when being positioned at original position or latched position when cylinder 14.Cavity 112 limits by a pair of relative cam surface 114A and 114B.Cavity 112 is enough greatly with at least a portion of the head part 106 of holding pin 104.

In general, actuator member, pin 104 and spring 110 are configured to prevent or disturb the locking device of cylinder 14 with respect to shell 16 rotations.Fig. 6 shows the lock 12 under a lock-out state.In this lock-out state, there is not power supply to offer solenoid coil 80.This solenoid spring 92 pushes away bar 94 with plunger 90.Therefore plunger 90 takies the space of the pipe 84 under bore hole 85.The round end part 106 of pin 104 is in the cavity 112 of shell 16.If cylinder 14 rotates with respect to shell 16, the round end part 106 of pin 104 and an engagement among cam surface 114A or the

114B.Cam surface

114A or 114B push round end part 106 to bore hole 102 downwards.Yet because plunger 90 takies the space of pin 104 belows, round end part 106 is prevented from the complete shift-in bore hole 102.Therefore, under this lock-out state, because an engagement among the round end of pin 104 part and cam surface 114A or the 114B, cylinder 14 can not be with respect to shell 16 rotations.

Fig. 9 is illustrated in an electronic lock 10 of opening state.Power supply is provided for solenoid 80.In response, in the solenoid plunger 90 indentation solenoids 80 and indentation contact with bar 94.The motion of managing the plunger 90 of 84 inside produces an opening 116 that is communicated with bore hole 85 in pipe 84.This opening 116 is enough greatly with the part of the lower pole part 108 of holding pin 104.Therefore, when cylinder 14 with respect to shell 14 rotation and when selling engagement among 104 round end part 106 and cam surface 114A or the 114B, bottom bar part 108 is pushed in the opening 116.For example, make head part 106 and cam surface 114A mesh if cylinder 14 is rotated, then cam surface 114A will cause that bottom bar part part is positioned at opening 116 inside to pin 104 compression springs 110 so that head part 106 is positioned at 102 inside, thorax hole fully.Therefore cylinder 14 can be freely with respect to shell 16 rotations.

Therefore this locking device provides a significant advantage for this electronic locking system 10.All locking members of lock 12 such as microprocessor and locking device all are contained in the cylinder 14.Therefore, when cylinder 14 rotated with respect to shell 16, each in these parts all was contained in the cylinder 14 fully.This has several advantages.Lock 12 can be less relatively, and its size can be made as and can replace traditional mechanical cylinder lock.In addition, if a lock of installing 12 lost efficacy, the cylinder part 14 of then replaceable lock 12, and do not replace shell 16.

Perhaps, other plant equipment can be used to provide a locking device.Replace to use a pin 104, also can use other locking member with difformity such as bar shaped, cam or disc-shape.This locking member can otherwise move, for example, and the rotation of part overslaugh cylinder when this locking member may be installed on the pivot and to rotate with box lunch.

In the embodiment of these figure explanations, the front of cylinder defines a cannelure 120 of the neck 26 that holds key 18.On a side of cannelure 120, this cylinder limits a bore hole 122 that is communicated with this cannelure 120.This bore hole 122 can receive the bar 24 of key 18.The coupling engagement assurance key 18 of bore hole 122 and bar 24 is aimed at cylinder 14 fully.In addition, bar 24 allows key 18 to transmit torque to cylinder 14 when with bore hole 122 coupling engagements, makes by key pin 40 added torques to minimize.

Of the present invention one independent aspect, electronic locking system 10 also has the anti-channeling repacking of a uniqueness and puts.In normal operation, this disturbs the shutdown side of element 86 at pipe 84.Interference spring 88 in disturbing element 86 frictionally meshes with the inwall of managing 84, so that hinder the motion of the interference element 86 in pipe 84.Therefore, as shown in Figure 9, when providing power supply and plunger 90 to shrink to solenoid 80, disturb element 86 not move.Therefore, disturb element 86 not disturb pin 104 inwardly to enter the motion of opening 116.Yet, as shown in figure 10,, disturb element 86 can prevent cylinder 14 rotations if a sharp-pointed impact force is applied to the front portion of lock 12.The sharp-pointed external force that is applied to lock 12 may cause plunger because in the inertia force indentation at once coil 80.Identical inertia force also makes and disturbs element 86 to vertically move with respect to pipe 84.Therefore disturb element 86 to take space under the bore hole 85 of pipe 84, anti-shotpin 104 is owing to the rotation of cylinder 14 is pushed in the bore hole 102.In case spring 92 has overcome the inertia force that is caused by sharp-pointed impact force, plunger 90 and interference element 86 all return their normal position when lock-out state as shown in Figure 6.Therefore, locking system 10 of the present invention has and prevents to lock 12 advantages by being opened with a sharp-pointed strike only.

In another aspect of this invention, lock 12 also has the bias unit that lock is promoted to an original position, so that make locking system 10 have the reliability of increase.In the embodiment shown in the figure, " original position " of lock 12 is by cavity 112

definition.Cam surface

114A and 114B join on a summit 118.Punctual with 118 pairs on summit when the bore hole 102 of cylinder 14, cylinder 14 promptly is in situ.When externally torque is applied to cylinder 14, in case head part 106 begins to enter cavity 112, cylinder 14 will turn back to original position naturally.Spring 110 makes head part 106 near cam surface 114A or 114B.When one among head part 106 and these

cam surfaces

114A, 114B engagement,

cam surface

114A or 114B push head part 106 to summit 118, and therefore push cylinder 14 to original position.In case head part 106 arrives summit 118, it just is positioned at an equalization point, and this equalization point is an original position.On the contrary, when cylinder 14 rotated away from original position, bias unit can make cylinder 14 turn back to original position.This bias unit provides additional advantage for locking system 10.When this cylinder 14 of rotation returns to original position so that when locking this and locking 12, the user of locking system 10 can determine when cylinder 14 turns back to original position based on the variation of the resistance aspect of the motion that the compression by spring 110 is caused.When locating original position, the user can know that cylinder is to treat to take out key safely under the situation of blocked tram.

Although when the embodiment that is described in the drawings combines locking device and bias unit, yet bias unit also can separate with locking device.Therefore, bias unit can be by a spring, an elastic body or the independent mechanical organ that promotes with other biasing apparatus of shell engagement.In other words, this bias unit can be arranged in shell and can be pushed into cylinder and mesh.For example, this bias unit may be made up of a spring and ball bearing in the bore hole that is contained in shell.In such one optional embodiment, ball bearing may mesh with cartridge outer surface merchant's a indenture, and this indenture limits original position.

Of the present invention another independent aspect, locking system 10 provides a key holding device.This cylinder 14 also has perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of cylinder 14 and the bore hole 124 that is communicated with cannelure 120.Bore hole 124 holds a ball bearing 126.This shell 16 limits a cavity 128 that is communicated with bore hole 124 when cylinder 14 is positioned at original position.Neck 26 also has a bore hole 130 relative with bar 24.When neck 26 was inserted into cannelure 120, bore hole 130 was aimed at bore hole 124.The size of bore hole 130 is for making ball bearing 126 can be accommodated in the bore hole 130.When neck 26 was at first inserted cannelure 120, ball bearing 126 was at first boosted in the cavity 128.Yet in case neck 26 is fully inserted in the groove 120, ball bearing falls the bore hole 130 that enters into bore hole 124 and neck 26 backward.When cylinder 14 rotations, ball bearing 126 is arranged in bore hole 12 fully, and therefore is accommodated in the cylinder 14 when cylinder 14 rotations.In case when cylinder 14 rotations surpassed original position, ball bearing 26 can prevent that key 18 is from cylinder 14 withdrawals.Therefore the inner surface of shell 16 prevents that ball bearing 126 from moving up in bore hole 124, prevent that neck 26 from withdrawing from groove 120.Key 18 may be when cylinder 14 turns back to original position from cylinder 14 out-of-gear unique positions, so that ball bearing 126 may be pushed up in the cavity 128, allows neck 26 to withdraw from groove 120 thus.Therefore, if key holding device provides cylinder 14 not turn back to original position, prevent that then key 18 is from locking the advantage of 12 withdrawals.This guarantees that cylinder 14 is correctly aimed at, so that this locking device can be locked, to prevent or to disturb the rotation of cylinder 14 with respect to shell 16.When in addition, other key holding device also can be used with convenient cylinder 14 with respect to shell 16 rotation this key 18 is remained in the cylinder 14.For example, key can have a protuberance, and it is accommodated in has big I and hold in the groove of an opening of this protuberance, and this groove allows this key rotation but prevent that key from taking out, unless this protuberance is aimed at this opening.

In a word, the present invention has lot of advantages.All be positioned over cylinder by the work package with locking mechanism, the volume that locking system can be made is very little.Like this, electronic lock can be used to replace traditional mechanical cylinder lock.And just in case adorned lock out defect the time, can only change cylinder and needn't change whole lock.Lock of the present invention itself does not also need power supply source.So owing to do not contain power supply source, lock can be less and can not be subjected to the corrosion of corrosion battery.Lock also need not the external power source from external cabling.Therefore simpler, the easier installation of lock.

Figure 15-21 illustrates second embodiment of a locking system, and it comprises lock 212 that is shown in Figure 15-19 and the key that is shown in Figure 20-21.Many features of this second embodiment are identical with the embodiment shown in Fig. 1-9.Lock 212 is made up of a cylinder 214 and a shell 216.The size of lock 212 is made into replaceable traditional mechanical cylinder lock, and these traditional mechanical cylinder locks generally all have cross section as shown in Figure 8, and is commonly referred to " interchangeable lock core " or " replaceable lock core " lock.Like this be locked in U.S. Patent No. 3,206, done description substantially in 959 and 4,294,093.

Cylinder 214 is made up of front portion 268 and rear portion 269.Front portion 268 and rear portion 269 utilize the elasticity baffle ring 279 that matches with the

groove

273 and 275 of front and rear respectively to link together.Cylinder 214 remains in the shell 216 by means of another split ring 219, and this split ring 219 is loaded on around the rear portion in 269 the annular groove 221 (referring to Figure 16 and 17).

Anterior 268 have a projection 267, and this projection 267 has two holes 270, and each hole includes by isolator 274 cingens electric contacts 272.Similar to the embodiment of Fig. 1-9, electric contact 272 engages or contacts the pin 240 of key (seeing Figure 21), make lock 212 and key 218 be electrically connected, thereby key 218 can provide power supply to lock 212, and key 218 can communicate with each other with lock 212 thus.

One printed circuit board (PCB) 276 is installed in the cylinder 214.Similar to the embodiment of Fig. 1-9, printed circuit board (PCB) 276 comprises and is used to lock 212 lock micromessage processor 277 and memory.Printed circuit board (PCB) 276 is electrically connected with contact point 272.

One actuator member also is installed in anterior 268.This actuator member comprises a solenoid coil 280.This actuator member also comprises a pipe 284, and this pipe 284 holds one and disturbs element 286, solenoid plunger 290, solenoid spring 292 and solenoid rod 294.Pipe 284 is inserted into solenoid coil 280, is arranged in solenoid coil 280 so that manage 284 front portion and solenoid rod 294.Pipe 284 is made of plastics.Solenoid rod 294 can engage with hole 295 on the projection 267 with passing, and provides the ground connection contact for key 218.

Similar to Fig. 1-9 embodiment, rear portion 269 comprise one with the pipe 280 vertical and holes 302 that are communicated with.Especially referring to Figure 19, one has round end portion 306 and diameter is loaded in the hole 302 than the pin 304 of its little lower beam portion 308.One spring 310 is installed in the 302A of hole portion.As the pin 104 of the embodiment of Fig. 1-9, pin 304 plays locking member.

Shown in Figure 16 and 19, shell 216 limits a cavity 312 that is communicated with hole 302 when cylinder 214 is in the shell 216 and is positioned at original position or latched position.Cavity 312 passes through to limit as a pair of relative cam surface (not shown) of the embodiment of Fig. 1-9.Cavity 312 is enough big, with at least a portion of the head 306 that holds pin 304.

In general, actuator member, pin 304 and spring 310 are configured to place or disturb the locking device of cylinder 214 with respect to shell 216 rotations.The effect of locking mechanism is similar to the embodiment of Fig. 1-9, according to key 218 or lock 212 signal, allows cylinder 214 to rotate selectively with respect to shell 216.

The lock 212 key maintenance mechanisms that also have just like the embodiment of Fig. 1-9.As shown in figure 19, cylinder 214 also has an and hole 324 that with the groove 320 that center on projection 267 be communicated with vertical with its longitudinal axis, and projection 267 holds a ball bearing 326.

Second embodiment of Figure 15-21 has a diamagnetic feature, with the big magnetic field that applies according to the front surface 215 to cylinder 214 lock 212 can be stoped and opens.Referring now to Figure 16 and 19,, lock 212 comprises a plate 297, and this plate is positioned at the rear portion of close solenoid coil 280 and is in the rear end of the front portion 268 of cylinder 214.Make by ferromagnetic material the front portion 268 of plate 297 and cylinder, for example is used for the soft transformer steel of plate 297.In addition, projection 267 is made by ferromagnetic material.In general, the front portion 268 of plate 297, cylinder and projection 267 constitute a ferromagnetic cover.And the rear portion 269 of cylinder 214 is made by nonferromagnetic material such as brass.

Plate 297 has the hole 299 that holds solenoid plunger 290.Solenoid plunger 290 is also made by ferromagnetic material.In order to make solenoid plunger 290 be disturbed moving downward of pin 304, the part of solenoid plunger 290 must extend through plate 297 at least, and stretches out beyond the ferromagnetic cover.Equally, allowed pin 304 to move downward in order to make solenoid plunger 290, solenoid plunger 290 must be to the withdrawal of the inside of cover.

Astoundingly, the ferromagnetic cover that surrounds solenoid plunger 290 at least in part can make lock 212 stop according to the magnetic field that the outside applies to open.Under the situation that does not have plate 297, solenoid plunger 290 withdrawal solenoid coils 280 are caused in the outside big magnetic field that applies to the surface 215 of cylinder.So, just rotatable cylinder 214, thus lock opened.Yet under the situation that plate 297 is arranged, externally-applied magnetic field makes solenoid plunger 290 be pushed out ferromagnetic cover, thereby disturbs moving downward of pin 304.When being reluctant to be fettered by particular theory, believe in cover, to have induced magnetic field, thereby being solenoid plunger 290, the lowest energy state of solenoid component is positioned at beyond the cover at least in part.Under any circumstance, sell 304 positions that move downward from cover, apply big magnetic field and will cause of the rotation of locking mechanism opposing cylinder 212 with respect to shell 216 by solenoid plunger 290 being moved out arriving to disturb.

Because the magnetic field that applies forces solenoid plunger 290 to break away from the cover, be opened in order to make lock, the part of solenoid plunger 290 is positioned at cover at least.Preferably, be in a position of not disturbing pin 304 to move downward for making solenoid plunger 290, most of at least solenoid plunger 290 is arranged in cover.More preferably, at least 75% solenoid plunger 290 is arranged in cover.More preferably, at least 90% solenoid plunger 290 is arranged in cover.Require the solenoid plunger 290 of major part to be arranged in cover, can guarantee to have enough big masterpiece to use on the solenoid plunger 290, to force its outwards motion from cover according to the external magnetic field that applies so that it does not disturb moving downward of pin 304.

Similarly, for disturbing the rotation of cylinder 214, require according to the magnetic field that applies, solenoid plunger 290 only vertically moves a very little distance.As shown in figure 19, be to disturb moving downward of pin 304, solenoid plunger 290 only needs shift out a very little segment distance from cover, for example less than 5% of the total length of solenoid plunger 290.

According to a further aspect in the invention, the lock embodiment of Figure 15-19 can replace as U.S. Patent No. 3,206, and 959 and 4,294,093 illustrated tradition " interchangeable lock core " or " replaceable lock core " locked.Such lock is used for the standard recipient.Shell 216 comprises a stationary part 216a and one rotatable 216b.Rotatable 216b has a lug 217.By means of stationary part 216a and rotatable

216b interlocking notch

301 and 303 separately, rotatable 216b can be installed into and can rotate

limitedly.Notch

301 and 303 degree of rotation according to rotatable 216b of stationary part 216a restriction.

Rotatable 216b can rotate between holding position and ejected position.In the holding position, lug is outstanding from the side of shell 216 (seeing Figure 15); In ejected position, lug 217 is housed inside in the elongate groove 305 of stationary part 216a, withdraws from from recipient to allow lock 212.Band keeps the interchangeable lock core with this generic external shape of lug to be locked in having become standard in the industry and has the following advantages, and promptly they can easily take out from the standard recipient and replace, as in padlock or the door handle.

The difficulty that makes electronic lock adapt to the traditional mechanical interchangeable lock core lock of replacement is that the conversion element of locking with having a pair of elongation conversion pin 307 uses.These conversion pins 307 must be housed inside in the cylinder 214, and shown in Figure 17 and 19, occupy sizable part of cylinder, thereby have limited the space that the power supply sub-component uses.The present invention holds the problem of extending conversion pin 307 by solenoid component being arranged to parallel to have solved with the longitudinal rotating shaft A of cylinder.Shown in Figure 18 and 19, solenoid component is parallel to the longitudinal axis A of cylinder 214, so solenoid plunger 290 lengthwise movement in pipe 284.Although solenoid component occupies sizable part of cylinder 214, by solenoid component longitudinally is arranged in the cylinder, cylinder has enough spaces and holds elongation conversion pin 307.

Shown in Figure 18 and 19, printed circuit board (PCB) 276 is installed on the solenoid component and is relative with it.The inner surface 213 of cylinder 214, printed circuit board (PCB) 276 and solenoid component limit one jointly and are used to hold the elongation chamber 309 that extends conversion pin 307 in cylinder 214.In use, elongation conversion pin 307 is contained in the chamber 309.As shown in figure 19, chamber 309 slave plates 297 extend to the front portion 313 of about solenoid component.Although cylinder is shown and is described to have an elongation chamber, chamber 309 also can be separated out, so that constitute a pair of chamber in column body, each chamber all is used to hold elongate pin.

The remainder of lock 212 similarly is suitable for holding conversion pin 307.The either side of plate 297 has a pair of perforate 315, is used to hold conversion pin 307.Equally, the rear portion 269 of cylinder 214 has pair of holes 317, is used to hold conversion pin.The rotation of cylinder 214 makes rear portion 269 engage conversion pin 307, thereby the rotation of cylinder 214 is passed to second locking mechanism or conversion element known in the present technique.

Lock 212 continues to obtain utilizing the facility of locking member (as pin) together with solenoid plunger, and solenoid plunger does not directly bear big power thus.Be to adapt to conversion pin 307, pin 304 is vertical with solenoid component and be positioned at the rear portion 269 of cylinder 214 and manage 284 top.Like this, pin 304 is between two holes 317 at the rear portion 269 of the cylinder that holds conversion pin 307.

Similar to the embodiment of Fig. 1-9, all locked components of lock 212 are that micromessage processor 277 and locking mechanism all are contained in the cylinder 214.So when cylinder 214 rotated with respect to shell 216, these assemblies all were positioned among the cylinder 214 fully.Therefore, this lockset has volume relatively little but can hold a pair of elongation conversion pin 307 so that replace the advantage of traditional mechanical interchangeable lock.And, just in case the lock 212 that is mounted is out of order, need not change shell 216, the trunk portion 214 of lock 212 just can be replaced.

One special control key is used to rotate rotatable 216b and regains lug.Lockset has a maintaining body, and to prevent rotatable 216 rotation, it comprises a pin 319 that engages with respective grooves 321 among rotatable the 216b.Sell in 319 holes 323 that are loaded among the stationary part 216a, and pushed away downwards by spring 325.Therefore when rotatable 216b was rotated that lug 217 is in the holding position, groove 321 was positioned under the hole 323, sells 319 like this and is pushed into groove 321, thereby can prevent rotatable 216b rotation.

Shift out from groove 321 for selling 319, available one has the special control key of elongation neck 226, and this key upwards pushes ball bearing 327 in the hole.This makes pin 319 and rotatable 216b break away from engagement, thereby allows rotatable 216b to rotate, so that regain lug 217.The engage sides of ball bearing 327 and groove 321, thereby rotatable 216b of permission control key turns shell.

The key of second embodiment that is shown in Figure 20-21 is similar to the key 18 of first embodiment, and main difference is the profile of shell 222.In the shell 222 battery 228, capacitor 231, battery spring 230 and printed circuit board (PCB) 232.Micromessage processor, LED236 and buzzer 238 are installed on the printed circuit board (PCB).Key pin 240 by the shell electric insulation is realized keys 218 and is locked electrical connection between 212.Helical spring 244 forces pin 240 to engage forward and with lock 212.Key pin 240 is electrically connected with micromessage processor and battery 228.

Key 218 also has a neck 226 that engages with the front surface insertion of cylinder 214.Has a recess 227 that is used to hold ball bearing 326 at a Side of neck 226.Neck 226 has three circular protrusions 229, and each projection is around the arc of each self-marketing 240.The outer shape of neck 226 adapts with groove 320 around the projection 267 of cylinder 214, the projection 267 and make key 218 to apply moment of torsion to cylinder 214 so that neck 226 can be held with a firm grip.

The information transmission of key and lock

Get back to the embodiment of Fig. 1-9 now, this embodiment is used for illustrating the information transmission of key and lock, and key 18 is connected with electric contact 72 by key pin 40 with lock 12.With reference to Figure 12, the memory 134 that is electricallyerasable ROM (EEROM) (EEPROM) form that key 18 has a microprocessor 132, links to each other with microprocessor 132.In general, microprocessor 132 and relevant memory 134 comprise a computer system.May be used in this computer system among the present invention and may be any equipment of the function of carrying out described here and reading and writing, deletion, storage and/or comparison and key identification code, the password information relevant, regardless of being an independent microprocessor or combining with other processors and/or memory devices with other data.This key 18 comprises a LED 36, buzzer 38, battery 28 and clock 136 in addition alternatively.

Lock 12 also has a microprocessor 138 and is the relevant memory 140 of EEPROM form.The same with key, microprocessor 138 constitutes a computer system with relevant memory 140.Power supply and information are delivered to lock processor 138 by one in pin 40 and the contact 72 through a single-wire line.Before entering microprocessor 138, power supply is by a diode 142 and filter condenser 144.This lock comprises a LED, buzzer and/or clock equally alternatively.

In operating process, key processor 132 and lock processor 138 communicate with one another, to allow to open this lock 12.In one embodiment, key processor 132 and lock processor 138 can be stored password, key identification code and lock identification code respectively.Each key 18 and lock 12 have a unique identification code.When making this key 18 or locking 12, this identification code can be programmed in the microprocessor separately.Referring now to Figure 13 and 14, when key 18 meshed with key 12, key 18 sent power to lock microprocessor 138.After lock microprocessor 138 was stablized, lock microprocessor 138 sent a handshake and gives key microprocessor 132.Key microprocessor 132 sends it back lock microprocessor 138 with a handshake.Lock microprocessor 138 transmissions and the corresponding signal of its identification code then to key microprocessor 132.Key microprocessor 132 transmission one key identification codes and a password are to lock microprocessor 138 then.Lock microprocessor 138 determines whether this key identification code is authorized to open this lock 12, determines then whether this password is correct.If, then lock processor 138 and send a signal to key processor 132, it responds this signal, by one in pin 40 and the contact 70 by battery 28 provide power supply to solenoid 80 to open this lock 12.

Key microprocessor 132 all can be stored the action about key 18 and lock 12 that takes place with lock microprocessor 138 in their

relevant memories

134 and 140 separately.Therefore, lock memory 140 may comprise that expression attempts to open the data of each key 18 of this lock 12, the time of this incident generation, and the password that is provided, and/or whether this lock 12 is opened.Equally, whether each key 18 can be stored each lock 12 of being visited, offer the password of this lock 12, the time of visiting this lock and/or this lock 12 and be opened in its memory 134.The Palm Pilot that key microprocessor 132 and lock microprocessor 138 may use a programming device such as 3Com to sell ^TMBe programmed.Can use a RS 232 communication standards on a cable, to transmit data or also can use any other standard method that is used to transmit digital information to transmit.

This system also can be designed to utilize a plurality of access levels.Thereby some key only is authorized to open the lock of limited quantity, and other keys may be the master keys that can open all locks.

Electronic locking system 10 also can be designed to include a LED of the state that may be used for showing lock 12 or key 18, has been examined and this lock 12 can be opened or electric weight is very low as a key of authorizing.This electronic locking system l0 also can comprise a buzzer of informing key 18 equally and/or locking 12 state.Buzzer is used to send information when following situation, as when a master key is detected, when a key of authorizing is detected, when a pins has added in the authorized key sign indicating number in the memory, and/or when a key identification code when a lock memory is deleted.This buzzer also can be attempted to open this lock 12 and not have and uses earlier under the situation of an authorized key in response, sends an alarm.

Certainly, above-mentioned identical function can possess in the lock 212 of second embodiment, and notice only is used for explanation rather than conduct restriction with reference to first embodiment.

Term that uses in the explanation in front and explanation only are used for illustrative purposes, rather than restriction, shown in when using these terms and explanation, getting rid of and equivalent or its part of the feature of describing without any attempt, should be understood that scope of the present invention is only defined and limited by appending claims.

Claims

1. electronic lock comprises:

2. electronic lock as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, is having the external magnetic field to be applied under the situation on the front surface of described cylinder, and described solenoid plunger is pushed to described primary importance.

3. electronic lock as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that described cylinder constitutes the part of described ferromagnetic cover.

4. electronic lock as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described cylinder also comprises an outside non-ferromagnetic portion of described ferromagnetic cover, and when being in described primary importance, the part of described at least solenoid plunger is housed inside in described non-ferromagnetic.

5. electronic lock as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, when described solenoid plunger was in the described second place, the part of described at least solenoid plunger was contained in the described ferromagnetic cover.

6. electronic lock as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, when described solenoid plunger was in the described second place, 75% of described at least solenoid plunger was contained in the described ferromagnetic cover.

7. electronic lock as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, also comprise a movable part, its be forced to force with described shell and described cylinder in one cam surface engagement, described cam surface be arranged to when described cylinder be rotated away from one limit by described cam surface original position the time force described movable part to rotate described cylinder towards described original position.

8. electronic lock as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, also comprise a locking member and a tamperproof element, this locking member is movable to described shell and breaks away from engagement, allowing described cylinder to rotate, the variation of the inertia that described tamperproof element can be by described lock does not disturb the position of described locking member motion to move to a position of disturbing described locking member motion from one.

9. electronic lock as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, a key that is used for described lock comprises that one is used for the power supply of described electric locking mechanism.

10. electronic lock as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, also comprise a key holding element, when a key and the engagement of described cylinder, this key holding element can keep surface engaged with a key of described shell, described key keeps the surface to arrange like this, move to and described key disengaging engagement so that when described cylinder is rotated away from an original position, prevent described key holding element, to prevent that described key and described cylinder break away from engagement, and when described cylinder turns to described original position, allow described key holding element to move to and break away from engagement with described key.

11. electronic lock as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, described cylinder comprises the front and rear that is in diverse location along the longitudinal axis of described shell, described front portion can rotate and comprise the part of described ferromagnetic cover with respect to described shell, described rear portion removably interconnects with described front portion, so that can be by described anterior the rotation.

12. electronic lock as claimed in claim 11 is characterized in that, described rear portion comprises a locking member, this locking member can with the engagement of described shell, disturbing the rotation of described cylinder, and can move selectively, rotate to allow described cylinder.

13. electronic lock as claimed in claim 10 is characterized in that, described front portion can be by a key turns.

14. electronic lock as claimed in claim 11 is characterized in that, an electric controller that is used for described locking member is moved is installed on the front portion of described cylinder.

15. electronic lock as claimed in claim 11 is characterized in that, the rear portion of described cylinder has at least one first longitudinal extension chamber from described locking member lateral shift, is used for cooperation and holds at least one elongation conversion pin.

16. electronic lock as claimed in claim 15 is characterized in that, the rear portion of described cylinder also has one second longitudinal tensile strain chamber, and described first and second chambers are from being positioned at the described locking member lateral shift of its opposite side.

17. electronic lock as claimed in claim 11 is characterized in that, but described front and rear all has removably the protuberance with described front and rear interconnection and engage.

18. electronic lock as claimed in claim 17 is characterized in that, described protuberance circumferentially is provided with around the longitudinal axis of described cylinder.

19. electronic lock as claimed in claim 18 is characterized in that, described protuberance is along described cylinder longitudinal extension.

20. electronic lock as claimed in claim 11 is characterized in that, described front portion mainly is made of one first material, and described rear portion is made of second material that is different from described first material.

21. electronic lock as claimed in claim 20 is characterized in that, a kind of described material is a ferromagnetic material, and another kind of described material is a nonferromagnetic material.

22. electronic lock as claimed in claim 21 is characterized in that, described first material is a ferromagnetic material.

23. electronic lock as claimed in claim 22 is characterized in that, described automatically controlled locking mechanism comprises an electric controller that is installed on the anterior of described cylinder and is used for moving described locking member.